Loi Krantong In 2008. Where And When?

[pewe]

In 2007 my wife and I missed the Loi Kratong festival in Chiang Mai for a few days. It wasn't bad in Ao Nang, but we were told that the 'real thing' is in CM.

My information is that this year Loi Kratong will be from 12.th to 14.th of November, with the main event held on the 13th. Is that correct?

I would guess that the best place to join the crowd will be near navarat bridge. What do you suggest?

Thanks for all your information

-Peter

[femi fan]

Well peter, last year i watched it from a different kind of angle and place! It was bloody good too. My mate booked up a table for about six of us on top of the pornping hotel at the bbq rooftop restaurant, something like the 20th floor.

It was truly a special viewing event and with a great atmosphere up there. You could see all the fireworks, the river below, and obviously just about all the yeepeng balloons! You would need a jumper and jacket most likely.

But being photographer i'm still unsure where they release what looks like thousands of the hot air balloons, and i'd love to find out where it is. I have an idea it's near san sai somewhere? Maybe posters can point me in the direction.

[Ulysses G.]

They release a lot at Thapae Gate and the little park across from Jeruselem Falafel where the Tourist Police station used to be.

[pewe]

Thank you for your replies.

@femi fan: that sounds like a good idea, but on the other hand I would love to be among the thai people enjoying this event.

@Ulysses G: I thought about Taphae gate, but if you search for 'Chiang Mai' in youtube, you will find videos that look much more like somewhere near Nawarath bridge, maybe near the Good View Restaurant.

Anyway - I happen to be in CM in a few days until mid september, so I can ask local people. I will post my findings here.

Hope to see you in CM

-Peter

Edited August 23, 2008 by pewe

[billd766]

I went to the real thing last year (as I do most years) at home with family and friends which is what it is really all about.

[mrclough]

I was here on holiday for it last year and went down to Narawat bridge, which was ok as long as you dont mind fireworks going off near you all the time.

[ozlegend]

In 2007 my wife and I missed the Loi Kratong festival in Chiang Mai for a few days. It wasn't bad in Ao Nang, but we were told that the 'real thing' is in CM.

My information is that this year Loi Kratong will be from 12.th to 14.th of November, with the main event held on the 13th. Is that correct?

I would guess that the best place to join the crowd will be near navarat bridge. What do you suggest?

Thanks for all your information

-Peter

[RPCVguy]

Loi Krathong as an event to photograph could mean attending festivities at a local temple or community plaza. Launching a candle/incense lit float into the river is a major portion of the symbolism. The balloons are abundant, but I'm not sure how they relate to the water spirits, unless it it via the rain from the sky. Anyway, they are sold and launched from anywhere/ everywhere there is a crowd.

Last year I took part with my Thai family at the plaza near the river in our town (mini-amphur) but was delighted too to see the size and splendor of the parade in Chiang Mai the next day. For the former, there were beauty contests, balloon launch contests, dancing and much enjoyment. For the latter it was crowded, exciting, and at times nerve wracking. Cities having commercial interests like Lotus, Big C, and various universites allowed for magnificent costumes and floats.In Chiang Mai we were at street level near Nawarat Bridge. The fireworks are a bit insane, many people launch them with the same abandon used in driving.

Having done two events in two very different settings, the small town had a lock on happiness, joy, sharing - while the city had the extravigance and crowd fever of a Rose Bowl parade. I plan on staying rural this year.

[PeaceBlondie]

So then, that is a definite probable, eh? Maybe on the 12th, 13th, or 29th?

I have done it both ways, and we plan to have a party for up to twenty friends and family, at our place.

[whiterussian]

Narawat bridge is a must . for a nice meal go to pornping hotel, rooftop restaurant.. the lantern float right past you, and you can see the nawarat etc below...the lanterns even touch down on the restaurant - which is fun for all ...

except that the stoopid farang dont know that the balloons are full of 'chok rai' - last year's bad luck... so by catching them they are catching bad luck. bloody stoopid farangs

You may need to book.

But the day AFTER the offical day i think you dont need bookings...